Bahrain urges tougher penalty for terror

Manama, February 19, 2014

They also urged authorities to take tougher action against people who instigate violence, during a two-hour session dedicated to discuss the chaos that erupted across Bahrain over the weekend, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The violence that coincided with the third anniversary of the unrest led to the death of policeman Abdulwaheed Sayyed Mohammed Al Balooshi, 29, when a bomb exploded in Dair last Friday.

Fifty-five people were arrested in connection with the attacks on police.

Parliament second vice-chairman Shaikh Adel Al Ma'awada chaired yesterday's weekly session in the absence of parliament chairman Dr Khalifa Al Dhahrani, who was on official business abroad.

He told MPs to draw up a draft statement outlining their demands, which was unanimously approved.

"Groups that receive orders from abroad are deliberately targeting the country's stability, peacefulness and security in a bid to stir the pot for their own gains," read the statement.

"We want the maximum punishment for those attacking policemen, especially those who were responsible for the death of Al Balooshi and the tens of others who were severely injured.

"Instigators and supporters should also be held equally accountable and receive tough punishments."

MP Latifa Al Gaoud urged legislators to boycott the new-look National Dialogue because of the participation of opposition groups, who she described as "traitors" and "haters".

Independent Bloc president MP Abdulla Bin Howail said the visit by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to Bahrain will expose the reality on the ground.

"False news spread by liars will soon be over as the highest human rights body is set to visit Bahrain, and they will know firsthand about the terrorist activities being committed in the name of democracy and freedom," he said.

MP Khalid Al Maloud demanded Al Wefaq National Islamic Society secretary-general Shaikh Ali Salman be held accountable for calling for mass protests last Saturday, which led to vandalism and closure of main roads.

However, MPs Osama Al Tamimi and Khalid Abdula'al stirred controversy when they asked legislators to hold a minute's silence for 150 civilians who they claimed had been killed since unrest in 2011. Their request was rejected.

Meanwhile, Al Asala Islamic Society threatened to take to the streets to confront acts of violence if the government doesn't take tough measures against terrorists and instigators.

"How can we engage in dialogue with people who bear grudge against their country?" the society's MPs asked during yesterday's session. - TradeArabia News Service